Some years ago I damaged a muscle in my lower back and since then I’ve had to be careful. Over time, I’d become pretty stiff in that area and had visited a cranial osteopath when it had got too sore. She had suggested that Pilates would help me and due to work commitments I could only look within the Biggin Hill area for a class that would suit.

Earlier this year I came across the flyer for Kylie’s class on a noticeboard on Main Road and decided to give it a go. I didn’t have any reservations as such, I just thought that I’d see if the exercise would help and take it from there.

The sessions have clearly helped and I actually felt a benefit after just a couple of weeks. I used to think that my posture was pretty good but I know different! That has been the best thing that I’ve learnt, I now stand tall and don’t slouch which I was doing before – getting out of bed in the morning is not the effort that it was and I bend at the knees when putting the cat dishes on the floor, not from the lower back. As for balance, where did that go over the years! But, I’m getting better and find that I’m not falling over immediately.

Physically, I feel the best that I have been for years. For someone who never did any exercise to speak of before, I enjoy the sessions and get satisfaction out of being able to see improvement in my flexibility.

I was advised to go to Pilates classes by a hospital consultant because of my recurring back problem. I have been going to Kylie’s classes for a couple of years now. The stretching exercises help with the general mobility and my back problem has abated. Her classes are good, varied and friendly; I definitely recommend them.